The Best Plywood for Your Chicken Coop: A Comprehensive Guide

Walking into my backyard, the sight of my chicken coop never fails to bring a smile to my face. Over the years, as I have explored and worked on various coop designs, one thing became clear – the type of plywood you choose can significantly impact the durability, safety, and overall aesthetics of the structure.

For those of you looking for a quick answer, the best plywood for chicken coops is exterior-grade plywood that is water-resistant, durable, and free from harmful chemicals. Specifically, marine-grade plywood, pressure-treated plywood, and certain hardwood plywoods like birch or oak are excellent choices.

Now, let’s dive deeper into understanding why and which brands stand out:

1. Marine-Grade Plywood: Ideal for chicken coops because of its superior resistance to moisture. Its layers are bonded with waterproof adhesive, making it one of the best options for outdoor structures.

   Recommendation: AB Marine-Grade Plywood. It’s known for its strength and resistance to both fungal attacks and delamination.

2. Pressure-Treated Plywood: This type undergoes a treatment process that infuses the wood with chemicals, making it resistant to insects, fungus, and rot.

   Recommendation: Severe Weather 3/4-in Common Pine Plywood Sheathing. It’s perfect for those who live in areas with a lot of rain or humidity.

3. Birch Plywood: Known for its strength and durability, birch plywood can withstand various stresses, making it suitable for chicken coop floors and walls.

   Recommendation: Baltic Birch Plywood Sheets. They come with multiple layers (13-ply) ensuring robustness.
4. Oak Plywood: Another strong hardwood plywood option. It’s heavier than birch but offers excellent durability.

   Recommendation: Columbia Forest Products Oak Plywood. It’s smooth, durable, and provides an aesthetic touch to your coop.

5. CDX Plywood: A type of exterior plywood, CDX is quite commonly used for roofing. The initials stand for “C” faced front, “D” faced back, and “X” meaning it is bonded with exterior glue.

   Recommendation: Roseburg 3/4 x 4 x 8 Fir 5-Ply CDX Plywood. It’s reliable, sturdy, and suitable for various coop parts.

Points to Consider When Buying Plywood for Your Coop:

1. Thickness: Depending on where you intend to use the plywood (walls, floor, or roof), you might need different thickness levels. A 3/4 inch thick plywood is a common choice for flooring due to its durability.
2. Safety: Ensure the plywood doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that might affect your chickens. For instance, pressure-treated wood used to contain arsenic, which is toxic. However, safer alternatives are now available in the market.
3. Cost: Hardwood plywoods like birch or oak can be more expensive than softwoods. Decide on a budget and see which type fits within it while meeting your coop’s needs.

In conclusion, the key is to choose a plywood that balances durability with safety for your feathered friends. With the right choice, not only will you have a coop that stands the test of time, but you’ll also have one that ensures the well-being of your chickens. Happy coop-building!

FAQs on the Best Plywood for Chicken Coops

1. What type of plywood is best for chicken coops?
   • Exterior-grade plywood that is water-resistant, durable, and free from harmful chemicals is best for chicken coops.
2. Is marine-grade plywood good for chicken coops?
   • Yes, marine-grade plywood is excellent due to its superior resistance to moisture and its layers being bonded with waterproof adhesive.
3. What’s the main advantage of pressure-treated plywood?
   • Pressure-treated plywood is resistant to insects, fungus, and rot due to the treatment process it undergoes.
4. Can I use birch plywood for my chicken coop?
   • Absolutely! Birch plywood is known for its strength and durability, making it suitable for chicken coop floors and walls.
5. Is oak plywood a good choice for chicken coops?
   • Yes, oak plywood offers excellent durability and can be a great choice for coops.
6. What does CDX in plywood mean?
   • CDX stands for “C” faced front, “D” faced back, and “X” indicates it is bonded with exterior glue.
7. Which plywood is recommended for areas with a lot of rain or humidity?
   • Pressure-treated plywood, especially the Severe Weather 3/4-in Common Pine Plywood Sheathing, is recommended.
8. What thickness of plywood is commonly used for coop floors?
   • A 3/4 inch thick plywood is a popular choice for coop flooring due to its durability.
9. Are there harmful chemicals in plywood I should be aware of?
   • Some pressure-treated woods used to contain arsenic. Always ensure the plywood you choose doesn’t have harmful chemicals.
10. Is hardwood plywood more expensive than softwood?

• Yes, hardwood plywoods like birch or oak can be pricier than softwoods.

11. How many layers does the Baltic Birch Plywood Sheet have?

• The Baltic Birch Plywood Sheets come with 13-ply layers.

12. Can I use CDX plywood for the roof of my chicken coop?

• Yes, CDX plywood is commonly used for roofing due to its sturdiness and exterior bonding.

13. Does plywood thickness matter for chicken coops?

• Yes, depending on the specific part of the coop (walls, floor, or roof), different thickness levels might be required.

14. Why is marine-grade plywood resistant to moisture?

• Its layers are bonded using waterproof adhesive, making it highly resistant to moisture.

15. What are the safety considerations when selecting plywood?

• Ensure the plywood doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that might affect the chickens.

16. Is Roseburg’s CDX plywood reliable?

• Yes, the Roseburg 3/4 x 4 x 8 Fir 5-Ply CDX Plywood is reliable and sturdy.

17. Do I need to paint or seal the plywood for additional protection?

• While some plywoods come with inherent resistance to elements, it’s always a good idea to paint or seal it for added durability.

18. Which plywood provides an aesthetic touch to the coop?

• Oak plywood, especially Columbia Forest Products Oak Plywood, can give an aesthetic touch.

19. How do I choose plywood on a budget?

• Determine a budget and see which type fits within it while meeting your coop’s requirements. Softwood plywoods tend to be more budget-friendly.

20. Why is birch plywood recommended for coop floors?

• Birch plywood can withstand various stresses, making it durable enough for coop floors.

21. How do I know if a plywood is exterior-grade?

• Check the labeling and product specifications. Exterior-grade plywoods are designed to withstand outdoor conditions.

22. Are there alternatives to the plywood types mentioned?

• Yes, there are various types of plywoods and other materials available, but the ones mentioned are among the best for chicken coops.

23. Can I use interior-grade plywood for coops?

• It’s not recommended as it may not withstand outdoor conditions and moisture as well as exterior-grade plywood.

24. Is marine-grade plywood expensive?

• Marine-grade plywood can be pricier than some other types due to its waterproof properties.

25. How often should I replace the plywood in my chicken coop?

• With proper care and quality plywood, replacement might not be necessary for several years.

26. Do I need to treat marine-grade plywood against pests?

• While it’s resistant to moisture, treating it for added protection against pests is a good idea.

27. Can I mix different types of plywoods in one coop?

• Yes, depending on the specific needs of different parts of the coop, you can mix and match.

28. Why is plywood preferred for chicken coops?

• Plywood is durable, versatile, and offers a balance of safety and strength suitable for chicken coops.

29. What’s the difference between birch and oak plywood in terms of weight?

• Oak plywood is generally heavier than birch.

30. Do chickens have a preference for the type of plywood used?

• Chickens don’t have a specific preference for plywood type. However, safety and comfort should be priorities.

31. Does plywood color affect the chicken’s behavior?

• Color, in general, can affect chicken behavior, but the natural color of plywood typically doesn’t have a significant impact.

32. Are all pressure-treated plywoods safe for chickens?

• Newer pressure-treated plywoods are generally safe, but always check for harmful chemicals.

33. Why is the adhesive used in marine-grade plywood important?

• The waterproof adhesive ensures the layers remain bonded even in moist conditions.

34. Can I use CDX plywood for the entire coop structure?

• Yes, CDX plywood is versatile and can be used for various parts of the coop.

35. What are the main concerns when choosing plywood for a chicken coop?

• Durability, safety from chemicals, resistance to pests, and moisture are primary concerns.

36. Does pressure-treated plywood look different from regular plywood?

• It may have a slightly greenish hue due to the chemicals used in the treatment.

37. How do hardwood plywoods compare to softwood plywoods in terms of strength?

• Hardwood plywoods, like birch and oak, are generally stronger and more durable than softwoods.

38. Is it necessary to choose one of the recommended brands of plywood?

• While the recommended brands are known for their quality, there might be other good brands available in the market. Always do your research.

39. How do I maintain the plywood in my chicken coop?

• Regular inspections, cleaning, painting or sealing, and ensuring proper ventilation can help maintain the plywood’s quality.

40. Can I use reclaimed or recycled plywood for my chicken coop?

• You can, but ensure it’s free from harmful chemicals, pests, and is still structurally sound.